Laundry dosing device

ABSTRACT

Laundry composition dosing device ( 1 ) having two segregated chambers ( 5, 7 ) such that a first laundry composition, for example a fabric conditioner stored in the first chamber ( 5 ) is pourable via a first opening ( 4 ) by a user without dispensing a second laundry composition stored in the second chamber ( 7 ).

The invention relates to laundry dosing devices having two segregated chambers and to methods of doing laundry using such devices.

It is known in the art to place a laundry dosing device, often referred to as a dosing ball, which contains a dose of a detergent product, in the drum of a washing machine prior to running a wash cycle. As water is added to the drum and the basket is agitated, the detergent product dissolves and a wash liquor is formed.

Laundry dosing balls are typically made from a plastics material, and may be rigid or flexible. They often have a curved exterior and an open top, providing an aperture into a chamber into which the laundry product is poured or scooped. The aperture may be used to mate with the top of a laundry product bottle for ease of storage. The aperture may also be a dispensing aperture from which the laundry product is poured into e.g a machine drawer compartment or from which the laundry product flows when it is placed in the wash liquor.

By contrast, the device of the invention has two segregated chambers, each having its own aperture. As a result, two laundry products, for example, a detergent product and a fabric conditioner, may be loaded into a single device without coming into contact. Furthermore, the dosing device is configured such that the first laundry composition may be poured out of the device while retaining the second laundry composition. In this way the two laundry products do not inadvertently come into contact during certain dispensing steps.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention relates to a laundry composition dosing device comprising a base and opposed upper portion, and having a first chamber having a first filling and dispensing opening and a segregated second chamber having a second filling and dispensing opening, wherein both of the openings are located in the upper portion and wherein the chambers and the openings are configured such that:

(i) first and second chambers can be filled with respective first and second laundry compositions via respective first and second openings, and (ii) a first laundry composition stored in the first chamber is pourable via the first opening by a user without dispensing a second laundry composition stored in the second chamber.

In other words, the relative size, shape and orientation and each chamber and its respective opening are such that the contents of the first chamber may be dispensed by pouring, while the contents of the second chamber are retained. The device can therefore be filled by the different compositions, whilst on its base without re-orientation.

Suitably, the amount of first composition and second composition in the device before tilting (to pour out the first composition) is one unit dose of each composition. In this context, one unit dose means the recommended amount of said composition for a single wash program.

In other words, suitably, the chambers and openings are configured such that a unit dose of a first laundry composition stored in the first chamber is pourable via the first opening by a user to dispense the unit dose from the device, while retaining a unit dose of a second laundry composition stored in the second chamber.

Preferably the openings are configured to remain open i.e. without closure by lids or caps or other closure members. Thus, the configuration does not rely on closure devices to prevent the second composition from dispensing during dispensing of the first composition.

Preferably also the second laundry composition stored in the second chamber is also pourable via the second opening by a user without dispensing the first laundry composition stored in the first chamber. Thus, the user does not need to select the ‘correct’ composition to dispense first.

A suitable unit dose of the first composition may be 5 to 50 mL, depending on the formulation. For example, the unit dose may be 10 to 40 mL, for example, the unit dose may be 10 to 30 mL, for example 10 to 20 mL. Concentrated fabric conditioner compositions in the art currently recommend a 15 mL unit dose.

A suitable unit dose of the second composition may be 5 to 60 mL, depending on the formulation. For example, the unit dose may be 10 to 40 mL, for example, the unit dose may be 15 to 30 mL.

As a result, both laundry detergent (second composition), for use in the wash cycle, and fabric conditioner (first composition), which is used during a rinse step, may be supplied to the device, for example by an automatic dispensing device. The dosing device is then transported to the washing machine by the user, who pours the fabric conditioner into the appropriate recess in the machine drawer by tipping the device so as to dispense the contents of the first chamber.

The dosing device may have more or indented portions and/or textured or rubberised portions to assist user grip and orientation in use.

Once the fabric conditioner has been added to the drawer, the device is placed in the washing machine drum with the articles to be laundered, and a washing program is started. As water enters the drum and the basket is agitated, water enters the device via both the first and second openings. The contents of the second chamber are dissolved and a wash liquor is formed. Any residual contents of the first chamber as also dissolved and, at the end of the wash program, the device is completely clean, with no residue of either product.

This provides improved convenience for the user, who does not have to rinse a fabric conditioner dispenser or risk residue and mess when storing such a dispenser. The device is placed immediately into the drum which is usually next to or immediately below the drawer (depending on the design of the washing machine) and cleaned during the wash program.

It further allows the user to enjoy the convenience of an automatic detergent and fabric conditioner dispensing device, such as may be provided on a counter top, to supply the correct dose of laundry product.

In preferred embodiments, the device has an exterior shape that is substantially spherical. The dosing device may have more or indented portions and/or textured or rubberised portions to assist user grip and orientation in use. These may be in line with the equator or supplied in the vicinity of the equator but oriented at an angle to assist ergonomic use.

Suitably, the device has a flattened base portion to permit the device to sit on a flat surface, for example when the laundry products are being added to the device, or to rest the device on top of the washing machine or similar before use. In this application, vertical and horizontal descriptions refer to the device in this orientation (upright orientation).

Similarly, any references to hemispheres should be construed with respect to this upright orientation.

However, it will be appreciated that it is not essential that the device has a flattened base portion. The device may additionally or alternatively be supplied with one or more protrusions such as a skirt or feet to permit the device to rest on a surface with rolling. Alternatively, the device may have a rounded base and mate with a separate base to maintain position when placed down.

Preferably the dosing device is substantially spherical with female forms rather than male protrusions. This helps to prevent “catching” (entanglement) of clothes during the wash and rinse cycles

Suitably, both the first and second openings are located in the northern hemisphere of the substantially spherical device.

In some embodiments, the first and second openings are located at least 90° apart about a vertical rotation axis of the dosing device.

Put another way, when the device is tipped so as to pour the contents of the first chamber, the angle between the first and second openings measured with respect to the plane in which the device is tilted should be at least 90°.

This relative orientation helps to prevent egress of the second laundry composition while the first is being poured.

In other words, it is preferable that the first opening is located in what may be considered the western hemisphere, while the second opening is located in what may be considered the eastern hemisphere. As it is not envisaged that a composition will be poured from the second opening, the second opening may be located near the top of the device (in other words, at the north pole). In the event that a composition is to be poured from the second opening, this may be located away from a north pole.

Most preferably, the angle is about 180°. In other words, when the device is tipped so as to pour the contents of the first chamber, the first and second openings are approximately in the same plane as the plane in which the device is tilted.

This means that when the device is tilted to pour the contents of the first chamber, the second opening is oriented upwards or away from the direction of pouring.

In other words, the pouring tilt direction for the second opening and chamber (if one were to pour the contents of the second chamber via the second opening) may be considered counter to the pouring tilt direction for the first opening and chamber.

It will be appreciated that the two chambers may be located side by side. For example, in the case of a spherical device, the first chamber may be located substantially or completely in the western hemisphere, while the second chamber may be located substantially or completely in the eastern hemisphere.

Preferably however, the first chamber is located substantially within the second chamber. For example the chambers may be nested, such that the first chamber is nested within the second or vice versa. For example, the first chamber may be provided as a suspended bulb or tube within the first chamber.

Preferably, the first chamber is provided as tubular shape projecting into the second chamber. In other words, the first chamber may be defined by a cylindrical wall and a base projecting part way or completely into the second chamber. In some cases, the first chamber is a tubular shape projecting into the second chamber and contacting the interior wall of the second chamber. This may provide stability and rigidity.

This arrangement may be advantageous because the composition housed in the first chamber has a higher centre of gravity than the composition housed in the second chamber, thereby assisting pouring.

Preferably, a visual cue is provided to differentiate the first and second chambers and/or first and second openings. For example, the first chamber may have an interior surface which is a different colour to an interior surface of the second chamber and, optionally, to an exterior surface of the device. The colour may carry through to the periphery of the first opening. For example, it may have a coloured collar. The first opening may also be provided with a pouring lip or spout to assisting dispensing the first composition.

Suitably, the device is made from one or more plastics materials. All or some of the device may be made using one or more of: blow moulding, injection moulding, and 3D printing. The device may be moulded in parts which are connected together by welding, snap-fit connectors. In the case of reservoirs which are for example, nested tubes or bulbs, each reservoir may be separately moulded for ease of manufacturer and then connected together post-moulding.

It will be appreciated that the first and second compositions may be liquid compositions or solid compositions (for example, powders or pearls). Preferably both compositions are liquid compositions.

Of course, it will be appreciated that the device is suitable for being used in the drum of a washing machine during a wash. Preferably, the device is also able to withstand tumble drying.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of laundering articles in an automatic washing machine, the method comprising using a dosing device according to any preceding claim, the method comprising:

-   -   i. supplying a first laundry composition to the first chamber of         the device and supplying a second laundry composition to the         second chamber of the device; then     -   ii. positioning the first opening of the device above a drawer         recess of the washing machine and tipping the device so as to         dispense the first laundry composition housed in the first         chamber into the drawer recess; then     -   iii. placing the device in the washing machine drum with the         articles to be laundered; then     -   iv. starting a wash program.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of laundering articles in an automatic washing machine, the method comprising using a dosing device according to any preceding claim, the method comprising:

-   -   v. supplying a fabric conditioner to the first chamber of the         device and supplying a detergent product to the second chamber         of the device; then     -   vi. positioning the first opening of the device above a drawer         recess of the washing machine and tipping the device so as to         dispense the fabric conditioner housed in the first chamber into         the drawer recess; then     -   vii. placing the device in the washing machine drum with the         articles to be laundered; then     -   viii. starting a wash program.

An embodiment of a device of the invention will now be described with reference to the following diagrammatical drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the device shown in FIG. 1 in use. The depiction is partially cut away.

FIG. 4 shows an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows the device shown in FIG. 6 in use. The depiction is partially cut away.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The device is viewed from an elevated perspective. FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the device from the side. The device 1 has an outer body 2 which may be referred to as an exterior shell. It has a flattened base portion 3 which facilitates storage and use, but is otherwise spherical in shape. The device has a first opening 4 which provides ingress and egress to a first chamber 5. The device has a second opening 6 which provides ingress and egress to a second chamber 7. The first and second chamber are segregated in the device such that the contents of the first chamber do not interact with the contents of the second chamber. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first chamber is defined by a cylindrical wall 8 which is capped by a base 9. The first chamber 5 projects into second chamber 7. In other words, the first chamber is located substantially within the second chamber. In this embodiment, the base 9 does not contact the interior wall of the second chamber. However, it will be appreciated that it may be preferable for the base 9 of the first chamber to contact, or even be contiguous with, an interior wall of the second chamber. This may provide strength and rigidity to the device structure.

The first opening 5 and second opening 7 are each located in the upper portion of the device when oriented in an upright orientation (i.e. on its base). When viewed from above, the first and second opening are both located in a single plane with the centre of the device.

It is envisaged that the device will be positioned in its upright orientation when a first composition is added to the first chamber and a second composition is added to the second chamber. It is envisaged that the compositions may be supplied by a single dosing machine.

The user then takes the loaded device to the washing machine drawer and tilts the device in the plane having the first and second openings and the centre of the device. This is shown in FIG. 3, partially cut away to reveal the first chamber 5 and a first composition 10 stored therein. The first opening 4 is therefore lowered and a first composition 10 is poured into the drawer. As the first composition 10 is poured, the second opening (not shown) is directed upwards, preventing the escape of the contents 11 of the second chamber. The contents 11 of the second chamber are depicted with a wavy line and hatching.

Once the first composition is fully dispensed, the device is placed in the washing machine drum and a wash program is started. Water flows into the second chamber 7 via the second opening 6 to dissolve the contents 11 and form a wash liquor. Water also flows into the first chamber 5 via the first opening 4 and washes away any residue of the first composition 10. After the wash is complete, the entire device is completely clean to be stored and used again.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The device 101 is jug-shaped, having a flattened base portion 103 and a first opening 104. The first opening 104 is at the top of a first chamber 105. A second opening 106 is located next to the first opening, provided ingress and egress access to a second chamber 107. The second chamber 107 is located primarily beneath the first chamber 105. The first chamber 105 is located substantially within, and towards the top of, the second chamber 107.

The first opening 104 features a spout 108 to assist pouring of the contents of the first chamber. The first chamber 105 has a base 109 which is inclined towards the spout to assist pouring. It will be appreciated that, when a composition is housed in the first chamber and a composition is housed in the second chamber, tilting the device to pour the contents of the first chamber via the spout causes the contents of the second chamber to displace to the headspace 110 of the second chamber, with the underside of base 109 preventing the contents of the second chamber from being dispensed. Once again, away pouring the contents of the first chamber, the device is simply placed in the washing machine drum and a wash program is started.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The device 201 is also jug shaped, having a flattened based 203. The first opening 204 and first chamber 205 circumferentially surround the second opening 206 and second chamber 207. The second chamber extends through and beyond the first opening. In other words, in this alternative embodiment, the first chamber 205 is located substantially within, and partially above, the second chamber 207.

The first opening features a spout 208 to assist pouring of the contents of the first chamber. When the device is tiled to dispense a unit dose of the contents of the first chamber, the higher and angled wall of the second chamber retains a unit dose of second composition (not shown) in the second chamber. It will be appreciated that the relative heights and angles of the chamber walls may be varied to accommodate unit dose volume. 

1. A laundry composition dosing device comprising a base and opposed upper portion, and having a first chamber having a first filling and dispensing opening and a segregated second chamber having a second filling and dispensing opening, wherein both of the openings are located in the upper portion and wherein the chambers and the openings are configured such that the first and second openings are located at least 90° apart about a vertical rotation axis of the dosing device, whereby: (i) first and second chambers can be filled with respective first and second laundry compositions via respective first and second openings, and (ii) a first laundry composition stored in the first chamber is pourable via the first opening by a user without dispensing a second laundry composition stored in the second chamber.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are located at least 90° apart about a vertical rotation axis of the dosing device.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are located about 180° apart about a vertical rotation axis of the dosing device.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are located such that, when the device is tipped so as to pour the contents of the first chamber, the first and second openings are approximately in the same plane as the plane in which the device is tilted.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber is located substantially within the second chamber.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the first chamber is defined by a cylindrical wall and a base projecting part way into the second chamber.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber has an interior surface which is a different colour to an interior surface of the second chamber.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the first chamber has an interior surface which is a different colour to an interior surface of the second chamber and to an exterior surface of the device.
 10. The device of claim 1 wherein the openings are configured to remain open i.e. without closure by lids or caps or other closure members.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second openings are configured for dispensing respective first and second laundry compositions.
 12. (canceled)
 13. A method of laundering articles in an automatic washing machine, the method comprising using a dosing device according to claim 1, the method comprising: i. supplying a fabric conditioner to the first chamber of the device and supplying a detergent product to the second chamber of the device; then ii. positioning the first opening of the device above a drawer recess of the washing machine and tipping the device so as to dispense the fabric conditioner housed in the first chamber into the drawer recess; then iii. placing the device in the washing machine drum with the articles to be laundered; then iv. starting a wash program. 